Gartner: Embracing sustainable IT infrastructure

Cost savings and resource efficiency 

One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of sustainable IT infrastructure lies in cost savings through better resource management and efficiency. The mantra should be straightforward: maximise value and minimise waste. By extending the life span of servers and network devices, organisations can defer the purchase of new equipment, potentially saving up to 40% on associated costs. This approach not only reduces e-waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing and shipping but also directly benefits the bottom line.  

Optimising server utilisation and storage capacity is another key strategy. Many organisations currently underutilise their data centre infrastructure, with server utilisation rates often below 50%. By leveraging performance analytics tools and automation platforms, there will be significant increases in these utilisation rates, deferring the need for additional hardware purchases and reducing energy consumption. Such optimisation efforts can lead to savings of up to 60%, making sustainable IT not just an ethical choice, but a financially sound one. 

Sustainable IT practices extend beyond hardware management. For example, adjusting data centre temperatures within recommended guidelines can lead to energy savings of up to 10%, while the adoption of alternative energy sources like solar or wind can offer long-term insulation against volatile energy prices. These strategies underscore a crucial point: sustainability and cost-efficiency are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they can be mutually reinforcing when approached strategically. 

Driving innovation and digital maturity 

Beyond cost savings, sustainable IT infrastructure offers a fertile ground for innovation and digital transformation. As companies increasingly prioritise sustainability, they unlock new opportunities for differentiation and growth. According to Gartner’s 2022 Sustainability Survey, 42% of respondents view their sustainability strategy as a driver for innovation and new business models. This is particularly true for I&O leaders who can leverage sustainable technologies to accelerate their organisation’s digital maturity. 

Technologies like liquid or immersion cooling, composable infrastructure, and open telemetry platforms are not just about improving energy efficiency but also enabling more agile, scalable, and resilient IT environments. For instance, open telemetry can provide deep insights into energy usage patterns, allowing for more informed decisions that optimise both performance and sustainability. Similarly, composable infrastructure allows for more efficient resource utilisation, paving the way for innovative applications and services that can drive business growth. 

In many cases, sustainability mandates serve as a catalyst for broader digital transformation initiatives. By adopting sustainable technologies, you are not only improving their environmental impact but also positioning themselves at the forefront of technological innovation. This dual focus on sustainability and digital maturity can give companies a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values both. 

Enhancing resilience in uncertain times 

Perhaps one of the most critical yet underappreciated benefits of sustainable IT infrastructure is its role in enhancing organisational resilience. The past few years have underscored the vulnerabilities of traditional IT systems, particularly in the face of supply chain disruptions and energy market volatility. Sustainable IT practices, such as the adoption of renewable energy sources and the reuse of existing equipment, can help insulate organisations from these external shocks. 

For example, renewable energy sources, while sometimes more expensive upfront, tend to offer greater price stability over the long term compared to traditional energy sources. Similarly, by maximising the life span of IT equipment and focusing on reuse and refurbishment, organisations can reduce their dependence on new hardware, thereby mitigating risks associated with supply chain disruptions.  

The business case for sustainable IT infrastructure is clear. By embracing sustainability there will be significant cost savings, innovation, and an enhancement of resilience. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, those who recognise and act on the broader business benefits of sustainable IT will be better positioned to thrive in the years to come. 

Autumn Stanish is a director analyst at Gartner and will be among the Gartner analysts who will further explore trends at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2024, taking place on 4-7 November in Barcelona, Spain.